What type of heating system does not rely on ductwork?

A ductless heating system is designed to provide heating without the need for ductwork. This type of system typically consists of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handlers. The indoor units can be mounted on walls or ceilings, allowing for flexibility in installation and placement within a home.

Ductless systems operate by using refrigerant to transfer heat from the outside air into the indoor space, effectively warming the environment without distributing air through ducts. This can be particularly advantageous in homes that lack ductwork or in specific areas that may need supplemental heating.

In contrast, most traditional heating systems, such as natural gas heating systems and forced warm-air heating systems, rely on ductwork to distribute heated air throughout the building. A hydronic heating system uses water as a heat transfer medium, distributing it through pipes or radiators instead of ductwork, but it isn’t classified as ductless.